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Am I My Brother's Keeper

You’ve heard the question, but do you know its original context? These words—am I my brother’s keeper?—were spoken by Cain, firstborn of Adam and Eve. Cain spewed them when asked by God, “Where is your brother Abel?”

This same dialogue could occur with today’s average Christian in Central Florida. If asked “Where is your brother?” we too could be caught trying to cover ourselves in a philosophical debate. But what if we would consider God’s question honestly?

In Orlando there were 49 murders in 2006. Thirty-four slain were black. What is the universal Christian response to this record-breaking murder streak? Is it benign neglect? Or claims like this one: “That’s what happens to ‘those people’”? As followers of Christ, are not “those people” our brothers and sisters? 1 John 4:21 says, “And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

Orlando’s murder rate is just one issue that challenges the body of Christ in this region. Until we rightly identify our brothers and sisters, we will continue to compartmentalize our lives and disengage from the community. Christians of all races must begin to broaden their definition of brotherhood beyond those who look and speak like themselves. By limiting our view, we limit our ability to obey God.

Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” and God responded, “Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” Is that true of us today? God knows our love for Him by our love for our brother.

Here’s a practical application: You probably have no connection to those violently killed last year, but when you heard the news, did you reflect on the sad loss of life and pray for their families? In the future, consider doing so. Then send a card to the victim’s family.

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April 20, 2008 at 7:47 AM
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